Use this if your dog is struggling to learn place through shaping alone.
1Place the cot in the center of the room and periodically toss treats onto it without saying anything.
2Let your dog explore the cot from different angles; if they seem unsure, leave it out for a few days and occasionally add treats.
3Once your dog is comfortable eating treats from the cot, use a treat or hand touch to guide their front feet onto it.
4Mark and reward when their front feet land, then gradually guide them farther until all four feet are on the cot.
5As your dog becomes more confident, fade the food lure by using an empty-hand motion or hand touch, then reward after they step onto the cot.
6Repeat until your dog reliably moves onto the cot without following food in your hand.
7Once the behavior is predictable, say "go to place" before your dog moves toward the cot, using the familiar hand motion if needed, then mark and reward.
Let the cot predict easy rewards before asking your dog to climb on.